Switzerland Backs India for Nuclear Supplier Group Membership

India's bid for the membership in the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group is likely to get a boost as it has received the support of Switzerland, a member of NSG.

​"India and Switzerland also share a commitment to reform international institutions in line with current global realities. We have both agreed to support each other for our respective bids for the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. I am also thankful to the President for Switzerland's understanding and support for India's membership of the Nuclear Supplier Group," Indian Prime Minister Modi said during the joint press statement after the his talks with Swiss President Johann Niklaus Schneider-Ammann.

​​India is trying to garner support from all NSG member countries and the support of Switzerland is crucial for India.

Modi also discussed the issue of "black money" stashed away by Indians in Swiss Banks. Bringing back "black money" was one of the key poll promises of Modi's party during the election campaign when his party came to power two years ago.  

"Combating menace of black money and tax evasion is also our shared priority. We discussed the need for an early and expeditious exchange of information to bring to justice the tax Agreement on Automatic Exchange of Information would be important in this respect," Modi said after his meeting with Swiss President.

The Indian Prime Minister also addressed business leaders in Geneva and asked for support in his "Make in India" initiative.

​While addressing the CEO's Modi said, "We see a prefect connect between our development needs and Swiss strengths. I therefore, invite the Swiss companies to avail of this great opportunity to be a key partner in India's economic growth. Ultimately, the economic prosperity of 1.25 billion plus would also benefit the entire world."

​Modi also met Indian scientists and students in Geneva who are working on an Indo-Swiss joint collaboration at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.